Stories by Marc Vitali

Comedy legend John Cleese talks about the real-life inspiration for "Fawlty Towers" – and tells us why he doesn't think one of his more famous Monty Python skits is all that funny.

In this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey, our local history expert Geoffrey Baer revisits a Streeterville puppet show, examines underground architecture on the Blue Line and digs deep into the history of Montrose Beach.

After being closed almost three months due to the state’s budget crisis, the Illinois State Museum has recently lost more staff members as it tiptoes ever closer to losing its accreditation in 2016.

The former Chicago police officer appeared in court this morning for his arraignment in the Laquan McDonald case. Paris Schutz brings us the latest. 

Last weekend's police-involved shooting has raised questions about whether Chicago officers are equipped to deal with mental health crises. We discuss the crisis intervention training offered to local police officers with two mental health advocates.

The veteran journalist who was anchor and managing editor of "Nightline" on ABC from 1980 until 2005 discusses his new book about the risk of cyberattack facing the power grid in the United States and the inadequate measures being taken to protect it.

The hit Netflix show "House of Cards" has a devoted following, but did you know that one of the people responsible for it is an Evanston native and Northwestern alum? Laura Eason, executive story editor of "House of Cards," takes us behind the scenes of the popular drama.

City officials make further moves to reform police training in the wake of this weekend's deadly police-involved shootings. This, as the family of one victim who was accidentally shot and killed is speaking out.

After two more fatal shootings by the Chicago Police Department over the weekend, calls for urgent police reform and better training of officers have grown louder. What, if anything, could police do differently to de-escalate situations, and is more training the answer?

While the new Will Smith movie has received mixed reviews from critics, Peggy Mason, a professor of neurobiology at the University of Chicago, is more concerned with the science behind the story than whether it's an Oscar contender. She joins us to discuss her thoughts on the film and to shed light on the dangers associated with concussions.

Undrafted rookies Jonathan Anderson, Harold Jones-Quartey and John Timu all made key defensive plays to help the Bears notch their sixth win of the season over Lovie Smith's Buccaneers. Former Bear James "Big Cat" Williams joins us with his take on the game.

The Barack Obama Foundation last week announced the seven finalists chosen to submit designs for the Obama Presidential Center. One of the architects, David Adjaye, is the subject of a solo exhibition at the Art Institute’s modern wing that runs through Jan. 3.

It wasn't all about politics in 2015, but stories of government change, corruption and challenges loomed large in the headlines. With that, we present a collection of the stories that "Chicago Tonight" followers were most interested in over the past 12 months.

Comedy and tragedy blend in a theatrical retelling of an infamous tragedy: the Iroquois Theater fire that struck Chicago back in 1903.

We share what you had to say about some of our recent stories when we read viewer feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Emmy Award-winning JBTV founder and producer Jerry Bryant launched the nation’s longest-running music television show in 1984. We caught up with him to talk about the origins of his annual holiday show and some of the artists whose careers he's helped launch over the years.

In August 2001, a WTTW11 crew met guitarist Rick Nielsen in advance of a Cheap Trick show at Navy Pier. We had a backstage pass and front-row tickets. This interview and performance haven’t been seen in 14 years.

Gift wrap, feasts and relaxation are probably on tap this weekend. But what to do after holiday festivities? Check out our picks to continue the party.

A young, Harvard-educated, first-time candidate tells us why he believes he can defeat the state’s most powerful incumbent, House Speaker Michael Madigan. Paris Schutz brings us the report.

The University of Chicago answers activists' calls with a new trauma center in Hyde Park. One of the hospital's top surgeons joins us to discuss the details.

They are an unlikely group of lunch mates: a handful of Chicago police officers and 12 people working to rebuild their lives after serving time in prison. Brandis Friedman has the story.

The award-winning pastry chef and owner of Mindy’s Hot Chocolate in Bucktown shares her favorite holiday recipes from her first cookbook, “Cookie Love,” and talks about her latest baking business–a line of cannabis-infused desserts that will be sold to medical marijuana patients in Illinois.

Photographer Richard Nickel lived–and died–to save Chicago's architectural treasures. A new book takes us inside the mind of this legendary rebel by sharing his letters, drawings, notes and breathtaking images. Joining us to discuss the book and the man at the center of it are the authors, Richard Cahan and Michael Williams.